Portugal’s motor racing chief is “optimistic” that Portimao could return to a second consecutive covid-affected Formula 1 calendar this year. Imola, also a substitute circuit in 2020, was appointed as a replacement, and now there are reports that several other races are in danger. “I am cautiously optimistic that thanks to the current lockdown and the vaccination campaign we will be able to hold the race in May,” he told the Expresso newspaper. If that’s the case, we can run the race,” Amorim added. Meanwhile, Imola boss Giancarlo Minardi says he is not sure if the Italian circuit will be able to host spectators at its 18 April race. “We can open the circuit partially, we can open it completely or we can hold a race with empty stands,” said the former F1 team boss.

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